Coffee dates are the worn-in blue jeans of the dating world: about as unoriginal as a third date at a sushi bar, but still used as the comfortable, familiar fallback of choice for an outing you've been on more times you care to admit. You (and the person you're meeting) can do better. Los Angeles has other, sometimes just-as-affordable locales to get to know a potential new paramour.

Yes, it's cheesy and a bit old-fashioned, but an early evening stroll along the Santa Monica Pier with milk shakes or churros can invoke the ideas of young love and open opportunities. Ocean Ave and Colorado Blvd, Santa Monica. More information: santamonicapier.org.

Liz Ohanesian

7. Blipsy Barcade

Think you got game? Put it to the test and see if you can find your princess (or prince) is in this Koreatown castle of arcade games and PBR tallboys. 369 N. Western Ave., Koreatown. (323) 461-7067. More information in L.A. Weekly's Squid Ink blog.

Courtesy of George Simian

6. Wine tasting at Silverlake Wine

See how many senses take flight at one of Silverlake Wine's regular wine tasting events. If things go well, buy a bottle to share someplace more secluded. 2395 Glendale Blvd., Silver Lake. (323) 662-9024. More information: silverlakewine.com.

LA Weekly

5. The Last Bookstore

Pop in for a reading or performance at downtown's The Last Bookstore. Or wander the stacks to find some prose or music (the store also sells vinyl records) worth enjoying together. 435 S. Spring St., dwntwn. (213) 488-0599. More information: lastbookstorela.com.

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

LA Weekly

4. Griffith Park

Go for a hike or bike ride through this sprawling Los Feliz park. Not quite ready to sweat in front of each other? Stick to the zoo, the train ride or the merry-go-round. Or simply enjoy an afternoon picnic. 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Feliz. (323) 913-4688. More information: laparks.org.

Upright Citizens Brigade

Courtesy of Liezl Estipona

3. ASSSSCAT at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre

Granted, a night of improv comedy isn't everyone's idea of a barrel of laughs. But if you and your date are the type of people who enjoy watching professional and up-and-coming comedic actors get themselves in awkward situations for the amusement of others, then this event at UCB Theatre is worth the wait in line. Afterward, head to nearby Birds Café and Bar for a post-show debriefing over pints and chicken wings. 5919 Franklin Ave., Los Feliz. (323) 908-8702. More information: losangeles.ucbtheatre.com.

For a date that's really the bee's knees, spend the night on the dance floor at the Cicada's old-fashioned supper club in downtown. And if the date doesn't go well, you're at the perfect place to find a new dance partner. 617 S. Olive St., dwntwn. (213) 488-9488. More information: cicadaclub.com.